Moving into a new home can be both an exciting and stressful thing to deal with. With all of the planning, packing and transporting of items from one home to another, it can be easy to overlook the little details. There are many things to look for when searching for a new home, but one thing to always keep an eye out for is a pest problem. So, what are we looking for? Protect All Pest Control, located in Acworth, GA, is here to help! We have pulled together a list of things to check for to determine if your new home has any unwanted tenants.

Chewed or Frayed Wires – The last pest problem anyone wants to have in a new home is a rodents issue. Chewed wires can be a sign of just that, so keep your eyes peeled for them.

Droppings – This is another sign that you might have some critter looming. Check in and behind places that you wouldn’t usually see. The droppings won’t usually be out in the open.

Termite Signs – This one is another big thing to look out for. Termites can destroy a home, so ensuring your new home is termite-free can save you a lot of headaches down the road. Be sure to look for discarded wings, mud tubes and wood damage. All of these could be signs that the house has a termite problem.

Dead Bugs – When giving the house a walk through, be sure to check around doors and windows for any dead bugs. A large accumulation could be a sign that the house needs to be treated by a pest control company.

Protect All Pest Control proudly serves the areas of Acworth, Kennesaw, Woodstock andCanton, GA. Our goal is to exceed all expectations in all of our pest control services to ensure our customers are glad they picked up the phone. Pest control can be a tricky undertaking if you don’t know what you are doing. Many people try to take matters into their own hands for a do-it-yourself approach, but it doesn’t always end with the best results. Here are a few reasons you should pick up the phone and give us a call for all of your pest control needs!

Health – Many pests that find their way into a building or home carry with them a host of diseases. It is important to get rid of them quickly so as not to spread them to humans.

Knowledge – Pest control isn’t a one size fits all issue. Different pest call for different approaches. Most days there isn’t enough time to do the research necessary to rid a home or business of insects, bugs or whatever the pest may be. Our technicians are very knowledgable about any issue you may have and are already aware of how to execute.

Time – Like we said before, not everyone has the time necessary to properly execute pest control. We have an effective team that can be in and out quickly.

Cost – It might seem more cost effective to perform pest control yourself, but by the time you buy chemicals and traps it can begin to become an expensive venture. DIY treatments don’t always take hold, and more have to continually be purchased. We treat the issue at the source to avoid the pests coming back.

When most people thinking about insects damaging the wood in their home, they only think about termites, but who’s looking out for black carpenter ants?

Black Carpenter Ants

All species of carpenter ants attack wood has been or is we and damaged by mold. Black carpenter ants first invade wet, decayed wood then often begin building paths through dry, undamaged wood. They usually enter buildings through cracks around windows and doors or through wire holes. Don’t put it past them to get creative either. They’ll also crawl along overhead wires, shrubs or even tree limbs that touch the building above the ground.

Their Habitat

While your home’s wood might be their meal choice, they prefer to build their nest outdoors in various wood sources, including tree stumps, firewood or landscaping. They need a constant water source to survive. They enter the home through wet damaged wood. If they gain entry to a structure with suitable and tasty wood, they will expand their nest and become a property threat.

If you notice black carpenter ants in your home, contact the professional immediately to discuss a proper course of control.

Black Carpenter Ant Prevention

Black carpenter ants require a water source. To prevent black carpenter ants in the house, eliminate sources of moisture or standing water -this will also help keep mosquitos at bay. Keep tree branches and other plants cut back from the house so that they can’t enter the home via the branches. Make sure that there are no cracks or little openings around the bottom of your house. Seal any cracks you may find. Make sure that firewood and building materials are not stored next to your home. This will also help deter cockroaches as well.

Dogs are man’s best friend for a reason. They are fun, loyal and hey if you take them hunting with you, useful. Their little tag-alongs however, are not man’s favorite. Here are some useful facts about two of their most common “friends.”

Fleas

They’re in it for the long haul. Typically fleas remain on their host at all times, but are easily transferable to other animals, people and furniture.

There are over 2,000 known species and subspecies of fleas, but it’s the cat flea that’s responsible for the majority of infestations in the U.S.

It might not always be your dog. Fleas infest many animals, such as racoons and rodents. If you think you may have a rodent infestation, expect a fleas to follow.

Ticks

Yes, some tick species actually can have preferred host. The American dog tick prefers to dine on domestic dogs, hence the reason it’s the most common tick species brought into homes.

Ticks are easiest to spot after a meal. They can grow up to four times their size when engorged with blood. Talk about a “food baby.”

To find a host, the tick grabs onto a shrub or grass with their back legs and reach their front legs out to grab onto passing fur or even clothing.

Regardless of what type of hosts they attach to, the ticks will crawl towards the head of their host. Why? Because the skin around the ears and neck is thinner and are the hardest areas for the animals to groom.

If you suspect your best friend has some hitch hikers, talk to your trusted veterinarian about the proper treatment for your dog. If you’re worried you might have an infestation, contact us today.

Besides the temperatures dropping and the leaves changing colors, what’s one way you can tell fall is on its way? The arrival of stink bugs.

Known for their “smelly” reputation, stink bugs enter homes during cooler months to find a warm place to rest during winter. It’s true they pose no property or health risk, but they present an odoriferous problem if stepped on. So how do you stop and prevent a stink bug infestation? Check out the steps below:

Seal off entry points – Walk around your house and search for any openings, large or small. Seal any holes and cracks that you find using a quality silicone or silicone-latex caulk.

Repair and replace – Got a 1/2 inch hole in your screen door? Replace it. Stink bugs and other insects can enter through the tiniest openings. Also be sure there are no openings in your weather-stripping or loose mortar.

Reduce Moisture areas – We can’t stress how important this step is. Between mosquitoes and stink bugs there are a number of bugs attracted to standing water.

Turn off the lights – Like moths, stink bugs are attracted to lights. Try to keep your outdoor lighting to a minimum. Bonus: you’ll save on your power bill as well.

Properly landscape – Do your best to keep branches and shrubbery well trimmed. It prevents easy areas of transportation, hiding, and possible mating grounds.

Think before you squish – When left alone, a stink bug will not release their less-than-favorable odor. When disturbed or squished, they tend to release their foul odor from pores on the sides of their bodies (hence, the name stink bugs). Gently pick them up and place them outside to avoid their odor.

School is back in session and for parents this means your pantry just shifted from summer snacks and lunches to sandwiches, chips and a fruit or vegetable. While you’re packing you’re #1’s lunch, you may also be inviting other guest to their meal. Anytime your pantry comes close to bare, it’s highly recommended that you clean out expired goods and wipe down the shelves so that you discourage “pantry pest.”

What is a pantry pest?

Pantry pests are any insect known for infesting goods often found in pantries such as: cereal, flour, spices, nuts, candies and other dry goods. They can also be found in your seasonal holiday decor in items such as dried flowers or potpourri. Common pantry pest are beetles, ants and the Indian meal moth.

Whether you’re baking goodies for the class or for a holiday meal, many times certain ingredients haven’t been used since the previous year. If you left your pantry products (accidentally) not properly sealed, they can become “sitting ducks;” attracting pest with their flavorful odor. Be sure to inspect each ingredient before use, especially items in paper containers.

To ensure your ingredients are safe from unwanted snackers, try the following steps:

Store all ingredients in sealed glass or plastic containers

Be sure to keep items such as pet food, in sealed containers. These are frequented by pest.

Sift through flours and sugars before using them as they could be hiding a 6 or 8-legged “friend”

Be sure to keep your cooking area clean -be sure to immediately wipe up crumbs and spills as they could attract pests.

School just started back and the kids are already counting down to fall break. While the kids are counting down the days to their next break, dad is counting down the days until football season begins. Whether you’re an NFL or SEC fan, August means one more month until it’s time for BBQs, tailgating and watching the game with friends.

If you’re planning on having some game day tailgating or BBQs, here are 5 tips on how to keep them pest-free.

Apply Insect Repellant– So this one might be a given but it’s still important. Most mosquitoes are most active at unfortunately, dusk and dawn (aka game time), so if you’re planning a barbecue before sunset, be sure to have plenty of effective repellant already applied and readily available for second coats and other guests.

Frequently Drain Standing Water– Remember, mosquitoes breed in standing water. Walk around your yard and drain any source that could be a breeding ground for mosquitoes, including birdbaths, dog bowls, wading pools or garden ponds.

Deter Stinging Insects– Whether you have an allergy or just hate being stung, stinging insects aren’t the party guest most people want to have. Yellow jackets and other stinging insects are attracted to many fragrances, so avoid using scented items such as candles and cleaners.

Patch Up Those Screens– At least a few days before your get together, go around each window and door and repair any holes that could invite mosquitoes and other insects entry into the home. Try leaving a polite note for guest to make sure the door, closes behind them.

Stay Clean– It’s no secret that many insects are attracted to food, so take the extra steps to keep food safe by using tightly sealed containers and coolers. Additionally, do your best to clean trash, crumbs and spills from picnic tables immediately.

Think you might need additional pest protection? Give us a call and let’s make pest control plan for you!

We’ve talked a couple of times now about Zika. Some of you may already know the World Health Organization has declared the rapid spread of the Zika virus an international public health emergency. In response to this, Consumer Reports has released – free to the public – its test results of mosquito repellents, including those that protect you against Aedes mosquitoes (the ones that carry Zika).

Zika can make individuals sick for up to a week with fever, rash, red eyes, joint pain, and other symptoms. It is widely known that the largest threat is to pregnant
women as it increases the risk that the unborn baby will develop microcephaly, an abnormally small head and incomplete brain development.

As of July, there is still no vaccine to prevent Zika. The most a person can do is avoid mosquito bites. To do this, CDC recommends using multiple strategies such as wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants outdoors, spraying for mosquitos at their residence, as well as mosquito repellent. Below is a list of the most effective insect repellents:

The Best:

Sawyer Picaridin and Natrapel 8 Hour -each contains 20% picaridin and Off! Deepwoods VIII -which contains 25% deet. -Studies proved these products kept the mosquitoes from biting for ~8 hours. Sawyer’s was the top insect repellant, being that it also kept Culex mosquitoes (carriers of West Nile), and deer ticks (carriers of Lyme disease) away for at least 8 hours.

Products that are not recommended

Products including the chemicals IR3535 and 2-undecanone, those containing 7% DEET or less than 20% picaridin.

Products not included in the study

Many natural plant oil based brands such as California Baby Natural Bug Blend and EcoSmart Organic since they either failed immediately or did not last 1 hour.

Additional information

The CDC recommends using EPA-registered insect repellants only, since their ingredients are tested and regulated by the EPA. To find out if a product is registered by the EPA, look for its registration number on the back of the label.

Spraying your yard for mosquitoes was also recommended, but it was advised to do your research on service providers. Contact your trusted pest control company today to get a protection plan for your family in place.

Fleas are every man and fur-baby’s worst enemy. Ok, maybe not worst but they certainly aren’t welcome. These little guys require protecting your pets, house and yard in order to prevent an infestation. Are you properly prepared for the battle against fleas?

Basic Flea Facts

Fun fact: fleas can live up to 100 days! Even scarier, the females can produce 400-500 offspring in that time. They transport themselves via rodents, mammals or humans (if need be) and usually remain on their host at all times. Lastly, they can jump 8″ aka 150x their height!

Pets

Consult your trusted veterinarian for the proper flea medication for your pet. Do research on their breed and prepare a list of any questions you may have for your vet. It’s good to ask for a favorite flea shampoo in case you feel your pet’s been exposed to fleas.

The House

The best form of flea protection is prevention. Contact your trusted pest control company about a plan that’s right for you. A simple, easy way to test for a flea infestation involves a simple pair of socks. Put on some white, mid-calf length socks and walk around your house. If you have an infestation, chances are you’ll have some hitchhikers. Call your pest control company immediately if this happens.

The Yard

Again, an easy way to check if you have fleas in your yard is the white sock test. Only this time wear them outdoors in the areas your pet hangs out the most. Should you have hitchhikers, call your trusted pest control company.

Discovering pests is a jarring experience; some are nuisances, and others carry fatal diseases. Whether you’re dealing with irritation or danger, developing a plan for controlling these pests is necessary.

Preventative Measures

A smart way to avoid trouble with pests is to prevent them from emerging in the first place. Knowing your environment and articulating what issues with pests existed in the past can help you to craft an appropriate plan with the experts. Also, you should let them know if you have plants that are prone to any particular type of pests.

Cost Control

Navigating the world of pest control requires that you pay attention to the cost. Finding cost effective plans often involves a willingness to pay in partial amounts. A payment plan, spread throughout the year, can prove less financially jarring than a lump sum. When you speak with the experts, let them know what your budget is.

Health Concerns

As you are exploring the options, you have to consider your own health too. Some pest control services may use methods that are dangerous indoors, especially when you have pets or small children. Opting for methods that are natural and that do not cause any harm is a smart idea, no matter where the pests are.

Location Determination

When you speak with the team, you’ll need to articulate where the problems lie, whether they are indoors or outdoors. The experts will work to find the exact source of the pests, but you have to point them in the right direction. Also, if you have any hint as to where the pests are coming from, let your team of pest control professionals know.

Developing a plan helps you to eliminate the pests from your house and property and to enjoy a safer, cleaner environment free from deleterious critters.